Solar PV Energy Installations
In 2007, we have taken our renewable energy portfolio to anew level. We have done this by planning to install one of the largest non-utility-owned renewable energy systems in the country. Under design and construction as of the time this report is going to print, this is a one megawatt (1 MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system being constructed at the sunniest place in the country, our Death Valley operations.
PV System Results
This system, the size of seven football fields, will generate on site more than 2.2 million kWh per year for at least 30 years. This is enough electricity to power more than 500 American homes. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.53 million pounds each year for more than 30 years, totaling 23,000 tons of CO2.
This system is not only the largest renewable energy system in the country among all private companies; it is also the largest in the entire tourism industry, the entire Department of Interior, and among any national park concessioners.
Once operational (construction will be complete in February 2008), Xanterra will instantaneously reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 35 percent at Death Valley, and by four percent company-wide. This system also assists in furthering national security goals of energy independence. It exceeds the President’s new Executive Order that calls upon concessioners (and all federal agencies) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions “… through reduction of energy intensity by (i) 3 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2015, or (ii) 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015.” 
* This technology has been purchased and is on site, but as the printing of this report, it is still under development.
** As of the time of this report going to print, this is in the process of being installed.
Other On-site Solar Photovoltaic Systems
In addition to the 1-MW PV system described above, Xanterra has four other PV systems installed or under construction as of the time of this report going to print. Two years ago, Xanterra installed grid-tied PV systems at both Zion Lodge and Yellowstone. At Zion, a 10,000 watt system was installed on an administration building and a 5,000 watt system was installed on a dorm. At Yellowstone, two 1,200 watt PV systems were installed on two new employee houses. At Crater Lake, a small PV system is used to power a remote office space for the marina operations. A 2,400 watt roof-mounted PV system is currently under construction at Rocky Mountain National Park’s retail store atop Trail Ridge Road. This system is unique in that it is off-grid and requires a battery bank for storage of electricity. It is due to be completed Fall of 2007.
